Description and Brand Names

US Brand Name

Astagraf XL

Hecoria

Prograf

Descriptions

Tacrolimus is used together with other medicines to prevent the body from rejecting a transplanted organ (eg, kidney, liver, or heart). This medicine may be used with steroids, azathioprine (Imuran®), basiliximab (Simulect®), or mycophenolate mofetil (Cellcept®). Tacrolimus belongs to a group of medicines known as immunosuppressive agents.

When a patient receives an organ transplant, the body's white blood cells will try to get rid of (reject) the transplanted organ. Tacrolimus works by suppressing the immune system to prevent the white blood cells from trying to get rid of the transplanted organ.

Tacrolimus is a very strong medicine. It can cause side effects that can be very serious, such as kidney problems. It may also decrease the body's ability to fight infections. You and your doctor should talk about the benefits of this medicine as well as the risks of using it.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

Once a medicine has been approved for marketing for a certain use, experience may show that it is also useful for other medical problems. Although not specifically included in the product labeling, tacrolimus is used in certain patients with the following medical conditions: